Abducted

CHAPTER 31

Geronimo had awakened early.
After sleeping fitfully all night, he had checked on Isabella, who was asleep in the room, next door.
Seeing that she was fast asleep, he had opted to go jogging, in the area of the Park.

Fragments of the previous night's conversation, permeated his mind.
His fling with Eduardo, had tarnished his life. He regretted ever having anything to do with the coach. It had come at a time when his marriage to Isabella, was on a downturn. Everything was okay again, when he had given her what she wanted. A joint account with him.
Thank God that his marriage was back to normal, for those were trying times.
Jogging along the avenue, towards the seaside, Geronimo had felt his muscles relaxing.

Marvelling at the beautiful, red and orange colours of the sunrise, Geronimo enjoyed the subdued quiet of dawn.
Keeping up the pace, he had passed near the ocean. Dawn had sent shimmering rays over it's placid calm, announcing the arrival of a new day.

Geronimo loved to jog around the park at dawn or walk at dusk.
On a glorious afternoon, he would sometimes take little Sally with him.
It was always a pleasure to be in such a tranquil setting, especially with the turmoil which seemed to be eating away at The Hartland's mansion.

Stopping to rest a bit, Geronimo reflected on his marriage to Isabella, five years ago.
He had met her while she was vacationing with friends.
Geronimo had fallen in love instantly, with her charm and beauty. Isabella was quite intrigued by The Hartland's name and seemed to have fallen in love with him, at first sight. After three months, they were married. The Hartland's had flown over in their private jet, to attend.
"I am so lucky to have found you." Isabella repeatedly reminded him, through the years.
Two months after their wedding, disaster struck.
Geronimo discovered that he was sterile.
This revelation had taken a toll on their marriage. Isabella had packed and returned to her adoptive home.
Geronimo was heartbroken.
He did not repeat any of this to anyone.
After much pleading, Isabella returned to their cabin in the South of France, upon the promise that they would apply to an adoption agency.
One of her the persons who had attended the wedding with The Hartlands, kept in constant communication with her.
They had developed a very close friendship.
The only other person who knew about Geronimo's sterility, Isabella thought.
On a fine Monday morning, Geronimo and Isabella Hartland, kept their appointment with the adoption agency.
Eagerly, they had completed all the relevant paperwork and were told to expect a call soon.
Unexpectedly, Geronimo was called away from home, for two weeks, on a secret mission.

Isabella spent most of her days, talking to her new friend.
They had so much in common.
All reasons to get back at The Hartland family.
Geronimo's phone contact with Isabella was limited because of where he was located.

He smiled when he remembered Isabella's excitement, over the static on the line.
"Honey, we have a baby! She is the cutest little girl, I have ever seen."

After the call, Isabella turned to her friend.
" I do not know how I could ever repay you!"
"Don't worry about it, I was hoping for the day, to get back at them. This was the perfect opportunity."
Smiling gratefully, Isabella produced the return ticket, from her handbag accompanied by a huge envelope.
" Please take it. It's the most I can do." Remember, not a word to anyone, because we will both get in trouble."
Agreeing, her friend had departed, half a million dollars richer.

After hearing his wife's exhilaration, Geronimo's distress at being sterile, had ebbed away somewhat.
Two weeks later, he arrived at their apartment at Rue De Moulin, to see their new baby, for the very first time.